Russian domination not good for European Cup in Tver

Russia captured 14 out of 16 gold medals at the European Cup for Cadets in Tver. Only Kazachstan and Tajikistan were able to have a judoka on the highest podium. The Russians won 50 medals, which has nothing to do with the exceptional strength of the Russian cadets, but with the poor opposition.

The category for young men U81kg was a final between Tajikistan and Belarus where Ekubzhon Nazirov (TJK) won the gold medal. It was the only category without a Russian judoka in the final. Kazach heavyweight Kamila Berlikash was the only women who could stand the three other Russians on the podium.

In the weight category under 50kg Georgii Tretiakov from Tyumen won a landslide victory. For him it was a debut performance at the ECup. Nevertheless, the young Siberian felt very confident on the tatami and won in the final over Gaspar Hayrapetyan of Armenia, having a spectacular throw seoi nage.

In the weight category U40kg Glafira Borisova has risen up on a higher level. On the way to the gold medal she won three fights. According to her, the most difficult thing was the final match against Anastasia Kuterina. "I guess I was just a little bit smarter and more clever in the final match. I prepared very seriously and tuned to each of the potential competitors", said Glafira Borisova.

This European Cup was the fifth in a range of 10 European Cups until May. The Cadet European Championships will be held from 1-3 July in Vantaa in Finland where the competition will be much different. Tver was by far the weakest event with 274 judoka compared to 607 young talents 3 weeks ago in Zagreb. The tour continues in two weeks time in Teplice, traditionally a much stronger event.